Meet some of the incredible Indigenous People we work with
At Uplift Adventures, we are privileged to operate on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot people. This land, rich in history and natural beauty, is more than just a backdrop for our adventures; it’s a living testament to the deep connection between the Blackfoot people and the landscape. Our collaboration with the Piikani Nation, especially in areas like Crowsnest Pass and Castle Parks, is a testament to our commitment to honouring and learning from those who have been stewards of this land for thousands of years.
A deep connection to the land
Our decision to work closely with the Blackfoot people stems from a profound respect and connection to this land. The Piikani, in particular, have an intimate understanding of the landscape around Crowsnest Pass that is both powerful and inspiring. Their knowledge and traditions enrich our experiences and help us see the land through a different lens, one that is deeply rooted in history and respect for nature.
Uncovering a rich history often overlooked
Many people believe that the history of Crowsnest Pass began with the arrival of early settlers and the development of coal mines – but that’s just one chapter of a much longer story. This narrative overlooks the rich and extensive history of the Indigenous Peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. First Nations peoples have lived in this region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. There’s ample evidence to prove this – archaeological digs from the 1970s revealed hunting grounds, lookouts, and more, right where many of us now live and hike. Canada’s history is rich and complex, but far too often, it’s been brushed under the rug. At Uplift, we believe in shining a light on this deep past, helping our guests understand the full picture of the land they’re exploring.
Sharing knowledge and honouring Indigenous voices
At Uplift Adventures, we believe in the importance of sharing the true history of the land we explore. By working with Indigenous guides and knowledge sharers, we provide a platform for them to tell their stories and expertise. The Indigenous people we collaborate with are generous and eager to share their knowledge, helping to correct misconceptions and provide a fuller picture of their culture and history. Their contributions add immense value to our adventures, enriching the experience for our clients and fostering a deeper connection to the land.
Meet our inspiring Indigenous partners
We believe that a true connection to the land also means understanding the people who have called it home for thousands of years. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to collaborate with several Indigenous leaders, storytellers, and guides who help us bring the rich history and culture of this region to life. These individuals share their wisdom and traditions in ways that enhance our adventures, making every experience more meaningful. Let us introduce you to a few of the amazing people we work with:
Jaron Weaselbear: A storyteller from the Blackfoot Nation
Jaron is an essential part of our Legends of the Sky night snowshoe experience. He’s a storyteller who brings the landscape alive through tales passed down from his ancestors. Whether he’s singing, drumming, dancing, or introducing people to traditional Blackfoot games, Jaron’s goal is always the same: to build connections. He’s passionate about teaching others—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—about his way of life. His openness and dedication to sharing his culture make every experience with him deeply personal and moving.

Gary Yellow Horn: Foraging and medicinal plant expert

We recently started working with Gary and he is an invaluable partner in our foraging courses, bringing his extensive Indigenous knowledge about foraging and medicinal plants to the table. His understanding of the natural world offers a profound connection to the land that goes beyond what’s visible, especially when he adds stories passed down from his grandfather. Gary teaches our clients how to identify edible and medicinal plants, sharing the rich history and uses of these natural resources from an Indigenous perspective. He has also recently taught himself to make leather pouches for protection and smudge boxes in relation to the First Nation’s culture and traditions. His lessons go deeper than just foraging; they’re about learning how to live harmoniously with nature, respecting the gifts the land provides.
Heather Black: Adventurist and guide
Heather Black, from the Blood Tribe Nation, is a trailblazer in more ways than one. As the owner of Buffalo Stone Woman guiding company in the Bow Valley, Heather is dedicated to connecting people to Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Her adventurous spirit and profound connection to the land make her an inspiring guide. Whether she’s leading a hike or offering cultural insights, Heather has an incredible ability to help people see the land through Indigenous eyes. Her work is transformative, and we are honoured that she has worked with us to deliver programming to provide an Indigenous perspective.

Leroy Crazy Boy: A cultural guide and storyteller
Leroy Crazy Boy has also contributed to our Legends of the Sky experience, and his impact has been tremendous. Leroy is a natural educator, exposing our clients to his deep knowledge and Siksikaitsitapi way of life. His calm presence and passion for teaching have made him a standout contributor to Uplift Adventures. When you join one of our adventures with Leroy, you leave with a deeper appreciation not just for the land, but for the people who have lived in harmony with it for millennia.
Celebrating Indigenous knowledge and traditions
Working with individuals like Gary, Jaron, Leroy, and Heather allows us to offer experiences that are not only adventurous but also deeply educational and culturally enriching. Their contributions help us to highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge and traditions, ensuring that these vital aspects of our shared heritage are celebrated and preserved.
We are incredibly proud and grateful to work with such talented and dedicated individuals!
Want to learn more about Indigenous history and culture?
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the rich history and culture of Indigenous Peoples in the South Canadian Rockies and beyond, here are some valuable resources to explore:
- Buffalo Treaty – Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Blackfoot People.
- Piikani Nation – Discover more about the Piikani, one of the Blackfoot Nations.
- Piikani Consultation Office – Have a project coming up and need consultation? Also, find Leroy here.
- Piikani Traditional Knowledge Services – Jaron and Gary can both be found here.
- Buffalo Stone Woman – Check out Heather Black’s guiding company that connects people to Indigenous ways.
- Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation) – Learn more about the history and culture of the Blood Tribe, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
- Destination Indigenous – Explore Indigenous tourism experiences across Canada, led by Indigenous communities.
- Galt Museum – An excellent resource found in Lethbridge.
- Naapis Garden – Check out this organization by the Kainai Nation.
- Galileo – Explore Kainai plants and culture.
In addition, the Piikani Nation also has an app that you can download and use to learn their language. Simply search Piikani Paitapiiyssin in your app store. How cool?!